Improved self-tightening buckle



waited gime MATTHIAS MARVIN,

0F SALEM, OREGON.

Letters Patent No. 101,482, dated Apr/il 5, 1870.

IMPROVED SELF-TIGHTENING' BUCKLE.

The Schedule referred to in these Letters Patent and making part of thesame.

' brass, iron, or other metal frame or rim of an oblong form, and of anywidth to suit the width of the strap, tug, band, or belt to be used. z

At each end of the frame or rim is a slot, depressed from the main outersurface for the strap or belt to pass through.

In or near the middle of the frame or rim, and on each side, are smalljournal-boxes, into which is dropped or let the axle of theratchet-catch.

The ratchet or substitute for a tongue to the ordinary buckle is alsomade of metal, and is shouldered ou the under side yto receive the endof the strap or belt, and to which the same is riveted.

The outer side near the fulcrum or axle is raised to a half roundsurface and ratcheted, so as to prevent the slipping of the strap orbelt.

The catch is hung by pins or axles in the journalboxes of the rim, andworks either way to vloose or bind the strap or belt.

The strap or belt may be of leather, cotton, guttapereha, or any otherfibrous or pliable substance, and is further bound iu its use by passingunder the outer surface, of the frame or riin on each side oftheratchet, the ratchet rising slightly above the outer surface of ofthe frame.

What I claim as my invention isl. A harness-buckle, provided with ashouldered and jourualed vibrating ratchet with a hollow frame, having astrap slot at each end, a top slot and journal-boxes or bearings, all asshown and described.

2. The arrangement of a ratchet with lever end, to vibrate in bearingsformed ou the inner sides of a buckle, in the manner set forth.

Witnesses: MATTHIAS MARVIN.

GEO. W. Lawson, E. WILLIAMS.

